This blog was medically reviewed by Emily Kvasnicka Friedrichsen, MD, associate lead physician at Allina Health.
Weaning your child from breastfeeding can be a challenging and emotional journey. If you’re looking for guidance on how to stop breastfeeding, you’re in the right place. This guide will provide practical tips and compassionate advice to help you through this transition.
Ending breastfeeding is a significant milestone for both you and your child. However, many people wonder how to quit breastfeeding. In this guide, we’ll explore why parents might decide to wean, the different approaches to weaning and how to recognize when your child is ready. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to make this transition as smooth as possible for your family.
The Mother Baby Center offers support from lactation consultants for every stage of your breastfeeding timeline.
When and why to consider stopping breastfeeding
When should you stop breastfeeding? Parents may choose to stop breastfeeding for many reasons. These can include their child’s age, changes in lifestyle, health issues, and more. It’s important to remember that this decision is personal and can vary widely for each family.
- Sore or painful breasts: Breastfeeding can sometimes cause breast discomfort or pain, which may lead parents to consider weaning.
- Not enough breast milk: If you’re struggling with milk supply, you might decide to supplement with baby formula or solid foods.
- Going back to work: Returning to work can make it challenging to maintain a breastfeeding schedule.
- Going on a holiday: Travel plans could create a need to shift feeding routines with you and your child.
- Getting pregnant again: Pregnancy can affect milk supply and breastfeeding comfort.
- Medications: Certain medications may not be compatible with breastfeeding, so, if you need a certain medication, you may need to start weaning.
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How to stop breastfeeding
Many people wonder, how do you stop breastfeeding? But there is no best way to stop breastfeeding or nursing, it is up to you and your family and what works best for you.
Stopping breastfeeding typically involves taking gradual steps to get to where you want to be. A gentle and adaptable approach to weaning is always important. Steps like transitioning from breast milk to formula or solid food, starting shorter nursing sessions and more can help make the transition to finishing breastfeeding easier for both you and your child.
Replace one feeding time
To wean from breast milk, start by replacing one breastfeeding session. You can use formula or offer solid foods. Choose a feeding time that fits well with your child’s routine to slowly reduce nursing.
Gradually shorter nursing sessions
You can try slowly shortening your nursing sessions to help your child get used to weaning. While they may notice right away, you can try to use distractions or calming activities afterward to make the change easier.
Increase formula or solid foods intake
Adding more formula or solid foods to your child’s diet can help reduce their desire for breastfeeding. Balancing these feedings is important to ensure you are still meeting your baby’s nutritional needs.
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Offer comfort and distraction
Another strategy is to provide comfort and fun distractions to help your child cope with less nursing. You can try using toys, cuddling, reading, or playing soft music during feeding times. This can help distract your baby from their usual breastfeeding schedule.
Don’t ask but don’t refuse
The “don’t offer, don’t refuse” approach is another method you can try. This approach lets your child lead the way by only nursing when they ask for it. And if they ask for it, don’t refuse them. This can naturally lead to less frequent feedings.
Create a new bedtime routine
One of the harder feeds to eliminate is the breastfeeding session before bedtime. Try creating a new bedtime routine that doesn’t include breastfeeding to help reduce breastfeeding sessions. With the new routine, try reading a book or introducing a comfort item to help with the transition.
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Signs your child is ready to stop breastfeeding
Children often show signs they are ready to wean. Some common signs are less interest in nursing or eating more solid foods. These signs can help make weaning easier. Here are some additional signs your child is ready to stop breastfeeding.
- Extended time away from mom: If your child is comfortable spending more time away from you, they might be ready to wean.
- Changes in milk supply: A natural drop in milk supply can mean it’s time to wean.
- Dropped daytime feedings: If your child skips daytime feedings, they might be ready to reduce breastfeeding.
- Getting most nutrition from solids: When your child gets most of their nutrition from solid foods, it’s a good sign they are ready to wean.
- Lack of interest: If your child isn’t interested in nursing, they might be ready to stop.
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Weaning over time vs. weaning quickly
Gradual weaning, or weaning over time, lets both you and your child adjust slowly, which can be less stressful. Weaning quickly might be needed for specific reasons but can sometimes be harder. As always, we want you to choose the method that works best for you and your family.
Partial weaning vs. full weaning
You may have heard of partial and full weaning. Partial weaning means lessening your breastfeeding sessions but also still keeping some. Full weaning means completely stopping breastfeeding. Partial weaning can be helpful in situations where the parent wants on continuing to breastfeed occasionally, while full weaning is fitting for those ready to stop entirely.
Weaning by age
Many parents wonder, what is the age to stop breastfeeding? But weaning can look different for every family. There is no right answer to when do you stop breastfeeding, but understanding the unique needs of your baby at each stage can help you tailor your weaning approach to fit your child’s developmental needs.
Parents and caregivers should replace breastmilk with baby formula for fluids for children under 1 year of age. Introducing water after 1 year of age is safest.
Age: before 6 months old
For babies younger than 6 months, weaning should focus on making sure your child is getting enough nutrition from formula. Because your baby is young, it’s important to talk to your health care provider before weaning to ensure your baby is getting the right nutrients.
Age: 6 months to 12 months old
Between 6 and 12 months, you can start introducing more solid foods into your baby’s diet. We recommend balancing breastfeeding with your new feeding routines to help your baby adjust smoothly.
Age: 1 year or older toddler
People wonder how to stop breastfeeding for 1 year baby. Children 1 year and older have much more independence and adaptability. We recommend reinforcing comfort and routine as your breastfeeding sessions become less often. We also recommend encouraging your toddler to explore new foods and self-feed.
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Supporting your body and mind during weaning
Weaning can be challenging for parents both physically and emotionally. It’s important to take care of yourself during this process. Self-care and seeking support when needed can make a significant impact.
Physical tips for managing discomfort
As you breastfeed less, you might feel discomfort like engorgement or soreness. Here are some ways to ease the pain and discomfort from starting to wean. And, if you are still struggling, it’s important to always reach out to your provider for additional support.
- Using a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to your breasts can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Wear supportive bras: A good supportive bra can provide comfort and reduce any discomfort you may have.
- Talk with your doctor: If you are in a lot of pain and discomfort, we recommend you reach out to your provider for additional help.
- Only hand express or pump to relieve discomfort: You can express or pump a small amount of milk to help provide yourself with some pain relief.
Emotional well-being and self-care tips
Weaning can not only cause some pain and discomfort physically, but it can also bring mixed feelings. We recommend connecting with a support network, journaling and more. Here are additional self-care tips to help ease the change.
- Practice mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you stay calm and manage stress.
- Seek out support groups: Connecting with other parents in support groups who may be going through something similar can help provide comfort and advice.
- Exercise and maintain a nutritional diet: Getting some exercise or physical activity and a balanced diet can boost your mood and energy.
- Honor your feelings: Allowing yourself to feel and process your emotions. It’s okay to feel sad, relieved or anything in between.
- Make time for self-care: It’s important to prioritize activities that make you feel good, like a hobby, a walk or a relaxing bath when possible.
Get expert guidance for weaning from The Mother Baby Center
Wondering how to wean from breastfeeding and nursing is an extremely common question. The Mother Baby Center is here for you throughout your pregnancy and parenting journey – and throughout your weaning journey. We offer compassionate resources and expert advice for families transitioning away from breastfeeding through our lactation consultants, our Nest Collaborative partnership and more.
How to stop breastfeeding FAQ
How long does it take to wean from breastfeeding?
The weaning process varies for each family. It can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the method you choose. Gradual weaning usually takes longer but can be easier on both you and your child.
Can you start breastfeeding again after stopping?
Yes, it is possible to start breastfeeding again after stopping, but it can be challenging. Factors like how long you’ve stopped and your breast milk supply can impact your ability to restart. We recommend contacting a lactation consultant to help.
Is weaning challenging for my child?
Children can react differently to weaning. Some may adjust easily, while others might show emotional or behavioral changes. Look for signs like fussiness or clinginess and offer extra comfort and reassurance during this time.
Can weaning affect my child’s sleep?
Weaning can impact your child’s sleep patterns, but it depends on each child. To ease the transition, create a comforting bedtime routine that doesn’t include breastfeeding. This can help your child feel secure and adjust to the new routine.
Can weaning impact my health?
Weaning can affect your health, causing hormonal changes or engorgement. Managing these changes by gradually reducing breastfeeding sessions and seeking medical advice if needed is important.
Should I be concerned about nutritional needs while weaning?
It is important to ensure that you meet your child’s nutritional needs during and after weaning. Offer a balanced diet with alternative sources of nutrients like formula or solid foods to keep your child healthy.
Will my weight change after I stop breastfeeding?
Weight changes after stopping breastfeeding are common. Your metabolism may slow down, so maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage your weight.
How do I prevent mastitis when weaning?
Preventing mastitis is important, especially during abrupt weaning. Gradually reduce milk supply by slowly lessening breastfeeding sessions. If you experience pain or signs of infection, consult your health care provider.